There are several factors you need to consider when setting up your bunny’s cage, but one aspect that’s often overlooked is flooring. Flooring for a rabbit pen is not only essential to help your pet feel cozy and comfortable, but it also determines how easy the cage is to keep clean.
But what is the best flooring for a rabbit cage?
There are several bunny flooring options available, so let’s take a closer look at the main choices and their pros and cons.
Wood flooring
If you’re searching for the best flooring for rabbits, wood is one of the first options you’ll come across. Some bunny owners opt to put plywood on the floor of their bunny’s cage to give their pet a solid surface to walk on.
Any wood you use must be untreated and completely non-toxic to rabbits. You should also be aware that your pet may chew the wood, and that its absorbent nature may mean that it soon develops an odor.
Finally, the slippery surface of wood may not be suitable for bunnies who prefer a little extra grip under their paws.
Pros
- Solid surface
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be slippery
- Your bunny may chew it
- Can develop odor
Plastic flooring
Buy a cage from a pet store and there’s a good chance it will come with a plastic bottom. Most of us are familiar with the benefits of plastic — it’s durable, reasonably affordable, and easy to keep clean.
However, the downside of plastic is that it’s very slippery. Many rabbits simply don’t feel comfortable on slick surfaces, so the best option is to top it with some sort of mat or other bedding to help your pet feel safe.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Slippery
- Needs to be covered
Wire flooring
Wire flooring for rabbits is another controversial flooring option. Many cages come with a wire mesh floor, the main advantage of which is that it’s effortless to keep clean.
However, the wire grid is not only uncomfortable for bunnies. It can also cause sores to develop on your pet’s feet. That’s why most rabbit owners recommend adding some sort of covering on top of the floor to protect your bunny’s delicate paws.
Pros
- Widely used in many cages
- Easy to keep clean
Cons
- Uncomfortable and could cause injury
- Needs to be covered
Vinyl and linoleum flooring
Linoleum and vinyl are popular flooring choices for a number of reasons. They can be cut to size to fit into a cage, they’re cheap, and they’re also easy to keep clean.
The disadvantage is that they both create a slippery surface that not all bunnies will appreciate. Textured linoleum can provide a little extra grip, making it a better option if you’re searching for non-slip flooring for rabbits.
Pros
- Cheap
- Can be cut to size
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Slippery
- Some bunnies may chew it
Rugs and mats
If you want to add extra comfort and grip for your rabbit, you may need to consider adding a rug or mat to your pet’s cage. There are several different types of products that may be suitable for the job:
- Woven grass mats
- Foam puzzle mats
- Horse stall mats
- Plastic mats
However, not all of them will be a good choice for every pet. For example, if your bunny is a passionate chewer, they might make quick work of some grass mats. If your rabbit prefers to be as comfortable as possible, a plastic mat may not offer sufficient padding.
Whichever option you choose, make sure it’s non-toxic and entirely safe for your bunny.
Pros
- Plenty of options available
- Choose size and thickness based on your bunny’s needs
- Generally easy to keep clean
Cons
- Some may be too easy to chew for destructive bunnies
- Best suited to rabbits who have been litter trained
What to look for when choosing rabbit cage flooring
The best flooring for rabbits needs to tick a few important boxes:
- Comfortable. You want your bunny to feel right at home in his cage, so the rabbit cage flooring you choose must provide a comfortable base for your furry friend’s paws.
- Safe. The best flooring for rabbits will also be made from non-toxic materials and won’t have any sharp edges. If your bun is particularly destructive, look for flooring options that can’t be easily chewed.
- Non-slip. As we mentioned above, many rabbits feel unsafe and frightened on slippery surfaces. Any flooring material you choose should offer sufficient grip to allow your rabbit to comfortably stay on his feet.
- Easy to clean. Cleaning a rabbit cage can be a time-consuming chore, so flooring that can be quickly and easily wiped clean is a good choice.
- Protection for your home. Last but not least, the rabbit cage floor covering you choose must provide adequate protection for your home’s floor. If pet waste soaks through to the floor of your home or spills over the edge of the material you choose, you’ll need to consider other options.
Rabbit cage flooring to avoid
To keep your bunny as safe as possible, there are also a few rabbit hutch flooring options worth avoiding.
Some rabbit owners report using carpet offcuts as cage flooring without any problems. However, if your rabbit loves chewing carpet and ingests some, it could cause an intestinal blockage. Carpet is also absorbent and will quickly develop an odor.
Cardboard will also be chewed up by rabbits and quickly become soggy with urine if your bunny isn’t toilet trained, while newspaper could contain ink that is toxic to your pet. Both of these options should also be avoided.
FAQs
Do bunnies like hardwood floors?
Like any other rabbit cage flooring option, hardwood floors have pros and cons. While some bunnies seem perfectly comfortable on hardwood surfaces, other owners report that their buns seem scared or uncertain of the slick surface. Hardwood can be quite slippery, which your pet may not like, and there’s also the risk that your rabbit’s urine could stain the floor.
Can I make DIY rabbit cage flooring?
Yes. In some cases, you may want to create your own mat or rug to cover the floor of your rabbit’s cage. However, if you choose to do so, make sure any material you use is non-toxic for bunnies and won’t be ingested by your pet.
Final thoughts
What can I put on the floor of my rabbit hutch? What is the best floor for rabbits?
There are conflicting answers to these questions, and the right choice for you may depend on your pet’s personal preferences. For example, a wire-floor cage covered with plywood and comfy bedding may suit some rabbits, while a woven rabbit mat on a firm surface may be the perfect fit for others.
Provided you choose an option that’s safe and comfortable for your furry friend, there are plenty of suitable flooring choices available.
